Mrs. Illene Virginia Barr

Born September 14, 1934, in Sophia West Virginia to William Michael and Marigold Basham. She married Junior McCoy Barr on June 24, 1957. They were married for 53 years prior to his passing. She was predeceased by brothers: Earl, Carl, French, Daryl, Leon, and Ronnie; sisters: Georgia and Anita. She is survived by her children Christi Jarrett of Mooresville, NC, Lisa Tipton and (Bobby) of Daniels , WV, Scott Barr of Southern Pines NC and Mary Robinson and(Douglas)of Sophia, WV and one sister Aretta Harvey of MacArthur, WV. Eight grandchildren- Eric, Amanda, Jonathan, Amy, Zachary, Sara, Taylor and Nicholas. Ten great grandchildren – Alex, Anna, Madelynn, Luke, Laura, Lilly, Myla Grace, Makenzi, Cameryn and Mason.

Illene was well known for her hospitality and love of cooking. Her home was always open, and many visited daily enjoying her home-made cakes and pies. Family was important to her, and she always had a great meal prepared and the table was open to anyone. She was a lifelong learner and loved books reading many times until wee hours of the morning. She was artistic and painted beautifully. As a seamstress she loved making clothes and passed that skill to her daughters. An avid gardener, she and her husband, Junior loved planting and growing a vegetable garden. The family ate organically, long before the word was popular. Many late summer days were spent in the kitchen, canning, and freezing the garden produce alongside her girls and sisters, Aretta and Georgia.

Illene was a lifelong member of the Sophia community and faithful member of the Sophia Free Will Baptist church. The church was an important part of her and Junior’s life along with their children. An active member in her church, she was a leader in the women’s ministry and taught Sunday school for over 60 years. Many days were spent at the church with dear friends where laughter and fellowship were abundant. Along with the ladies of the church, she helped to make their “fried pies” a sought-after delight. It was always hard to know how many to fry, as she could never turn down an order, “there is always room for a few more”. Affectionately known as the “church mother”, she was an inspiration to many in her devotion to the Lord.

She will certainly be missed but is rejoicing with her Lord and is free of the pain and discomfort she had known for many years. A special thank you to Christi Rodriquez and Carolyn Fox for their faithful love and care they showed to her over the years and to the many staff at Bowers. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sophia Freewill Baptist Church Women’s Ministry or Hospice of Southern West Virginia.

A service to celebrate the life of Illene Virginia Barr will be held 1:00PM Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Sophia Freewill Baptist Church, Sophia with Pastor Al Whitt officiating. Following the service, Illene will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may gather with the family from 11:30AM until time of the service Thursday at the church.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home and Crematorium, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the family.